Our Work

The Interagency Ocean Observation Committee (IOOC) oversees efforts to develop the National Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observing System. Led by three federal co-chairs, comprised of agency representatives, and supported by COL staff, the committee carries out various provisions of the ICOOS Act for implementing procedural, technical, and scientific requirements to ensure full execution of the system. 

Marine Life 2030, a United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development program, is a globally coordinated system to deliver actionable, transdisciplinary knowledge of ocean life to those who need it, promoting human well-being, sustainable development, and ocean conservation. Marine Life 2030 unites existing and frontier technologies and partners into a global, interoperable network and community of practice advancing observation and forecasting of marine life. This network will link technical, management, and policy stakeholders to build and exchange capacity for advancing society’s grand challenges of managing activities for a healthy and resilient ocean and the vibrant and healthy society that depends on it.

Bringing together the vast community of researchers and experts on air-sea interactions, the Observing Air-Sea Interactions Strategy (OASIS) furthers the field by harmonizing observational strategies and developing a practical, integrated approach to observing air-sea interactions through capacity development, leveraging of multi-disciplinary activities, and advancement of understanding. OASIS provides observational-based knowledge to fundamentally improve weather, climate and ocean prediction, and promote healthy oceans, the blue economy, and sustainable food and energy.

The Underwater Glider User Group (UG2) is a community-based coalition aimed at bolstering scientific collaboration and information/resource sharing for glider operators, data users, manufacturers, academia, and government agencies.The overarching goal of UG2 is to establish a community that facilitates sharing and cooperation.

From 2021-2030, the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (UN Decade) will focus scientific initiatives across the globe on the science needed to ensure sustainable use of ocean resources and long-term ocean health.  The National Academies, U.S. National Committee for the Ocean Decade will focus participation and serve as a communication channel for the U.S. ocean science community throughout this international effort. COL participates primarily through Ocean-Shots. Ocean- Shots are ambitious, transformational research concepts that draw inspiration and expertise from multiple disciplines and fundamentally advance ocean science for sustainable development. COL’s focus is on open cloud computing and integrated satellite and in situ system design.

The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) enables each part of the system to contribute at its highest capacity, helping to build an integrated and responsive observing enterprise. GOOS leads and supports a community of international, regional, and national ocean observing programs, governments, UN agencies, research organizations and individual scientists.

Positioned to be at the heart of the UN Decade, ocean observing is fundamental to achieving the goals of the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. GOOS is proud to be a key part of this visionary initiative. Primary to this endeavor are three Decade Programs: (1) Ocean Observing Co-Design (2) CoastPredict (3) Observing Together. These Programs actively drive the transformation needed to achieve the Ocean Decade outcomes and enhance the global observing system. COL works with the leadership and science teams to enhance the U.S. contribution to these global endeavors and to facilitate the scientific and societally beneficial outcomes of the Decade.